Thinking of starting SW

This is a discussion on Thinking of starting SW within the Beginner Saltwater Aquariums forums, part of the Saltwater Fish and Coral Reef Tanks category; -->
Originally Posted by Reefing Madness
Thiose are good systems. Its always good to buy something already out together for you, no doubt about it. ...

Thiose are good systems. Its always good to buy something already out together for you, no doubt about it. And if you were to try and get all that stuff yourself, its a good bet it would be close.

Could you help me with some specifics to this CL ad?

What do I need to ask her to make sure this is worthwile?
How old is the equipment?
How long has the tank been running?
What chemicals/medicine have been used?

It looks dirty to me....that plus some money conerns for getting RO/DI and test kits immediatly as opposed to me buying some items now over a months time. If I was to take everything now can I let it dry out and I can get it started in a few more weeks after my next checks? Then ill just add a few pounds of LR and Live Sand when im ready to start cycling. Does this still make it worthwhile, taking out the factor that it is already established?

Welp, after taking a good hard look at that tank, it looks pretty good to me. A long scraping session with a blade would clean that tank right up, and make it look pretty good. Maybe some more Live Rock, but for the most part, looks kinda on the good side. Now, the cost is a different thing altogether. It all depends on where your at, and if that type of tank is readily available. $400, is reasonable for that tank setup. There are also quite a few modifications that can be made to the tank that I think you may want to do in the future. I belive its a good deal.

I made the offer. Im going to check my LFS and see what I can find. Never saw one used around here, but never seen the 130 new. Only the 130D, and i believe thats closer to $850. LFS has the S line i believe and its amazing and super expensive.

I see other on CL, and they are all 500+. Granted some have more corals and fish, but I want to make this my own tank, and not adopt yellow tangs that should not be in there.

At the same time this is way way way easier than building the 25Gallon from scratch, and will give me more room to do other things.

on the two clowns. I wont be ready to keep them this weekend as i have no ro/di etc. I want to start the correct way first. I have two options. What do you think.

1. I give them to my LFS. I dont think they trade for credit or anything............ but i know they take in fry and will grow them and sell them and i see older clowns come and go which i assume are trade-ins.

2. I could set them up in my QT for a month or so while i start fresh with the RSM. Is it OK to keep them in a 20QT with a HOB filter for flow, heater, and some LR? And is it OK to keep them for that long? Possibly two months max.

Im leaning toward option one. Its easier and makes more sense. Im asking though for just general knowledge. Say they were giving me a really expensive fish and I was in the same boat....does it make sense to keep them in a QT for that long?

Your pretty much on the mark with everything. Dstilled water is just as good as RO/DI Water. Yes, you should use the same type of water for QT that you are using in the DT. A T8 lamp is fine for a FOWLR. As far as filter media, how about .....none. Think about running GFO later or Carbon here and there. You should try to keep the LR moist,in whatever container you are using for transport. Take along a few extra 5g buckets with lids, and transport all the water you can, won't hurt.

i believe there are 2 common methods of distilling water, one of these involving copper vats in the process, which i personally dont know how i feel about creating a reef knowing my water was at one point exposed to it. (water does pass through copper pipes in a house,but its before hitting your RO/DI unit though) i cannot argue steamed distilled water with 0ppm and RO/DI water of 0ppm not matching but i thought i would just throw that out there.
im also not saying dont go buy some distilled water, just read the label and/or google the company's process.

i would also suggest using a QT of atleast 2 months to use it effectively. a piece of PVC pipe or two makes a cheap hide for fish.